Rythmol (Generic)

What are Generics?

Generic drugs marketed without brand names contain the exact same active ingredients used in their brand-name counterparts, but cost significantly less. The drugs are required to meet U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards for safety, purity and effectiveness.

Rythmol (propafenone) is used to treat heart rhythm abnormalities (antiarrhythmic agent). The primary mechanism of action is blocking channels, which transport sodium across cell borders, which prolongs the beginning of the phase during which heart muscle cells become electrically stimulated (action potential).

Uses

Propafenone is an antiarrhythmic agent and is only approved for use in patients with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia. Propafenone is also effective in suppressing the recurrence of atrial fibrillation once sinus rhythm has been restored. Propafenone is at least as effective as any other type I agent in converting atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm. Propafenone is effective in atrial tachycardia, AV nodal tachycardia, and bypass tract tachycardias

How to take

Propafenone is an antiarrhythmic agent and is only approved for use in patients with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia. Propafenone is also effective in suppressing the recurrence of atrial fibrillation once sinus rhythm has been restored. Propafenone is at least as effective as any other type I agent in converting atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm. Propafenone is effective in atrial tachycardia, AV nodal tachycardia, and bypass tract tachycardias

Side effects

Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, gas, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, weakness or changes in sleep habits may occur as your body adjusts to the medicine. Other side effects include muscle aches, sweating, dry mouth, tremors and unusual taste in the mouth. If any of these symptoms continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop: chest pain, blurred vision, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, chills. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), sudden weight gain, swelling of the ankles/feet, trouble breathing, unusually fast/slow/irregular heartbeat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist

Precaution

Before taking propafenone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: asthma, emphysema/bronchitis along with asthma, certain heart problems (e.g., congestive heart failure, cardiogenic shock, heart block or any conduction/sinus node problems, very slow heartbeat), untreated blood mineral imbalance (electrolyte imbalance), very low blood pressure. Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: kidney or liver problems. If you have an artificial heart pacemaker, propafenone may alter its function (both sensing and pacing). Consult your doctor for more details. If you are scheduled for dental or medical procedures, inform your doctor/dentist you use this medication. Elderly persons are more sensitive to the effects of this medication. Use this medication with caution. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug interactions

Because of its beta blocking activity, propafenone must be used with caution in patients with weak heart muscle (congestive heart failure), slow heart rate, any form of heart electrical conduction block, low blood pressure, or asthma. The most serious side effect of propafenone is the causing of serious life- threatening irregular heart rhythms (ventricular arrhythmias or proarrhythmia). It is for this reason that propafenone is started and doses increased while patients are hospitalized in a monitored setting. Quinidine inhibits the metabolism of propafenone and, therefore, their combined use should be avoided. Propafenone increases the levels of digoxin (Lanoxin), warfarin (Coumadin), and beta-blockers, which may require dose reductions. The electrical safety margins of artificial pacemakers can be compromised by the effects of propafenone and should be closely monitored. Safety and efficacy in children has not been established.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not"double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep away from children and pets.